The 13 Private Tours in Kyoto That Repay the Fare

1.Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,369 reviews · from $155Our pick

Review of Kyoto’s 6-hour private tour with a licensed guide, custom sightseeing, public transport, top temples, shrines, markets, and practical tips.

“We had the absolute best time with Kaeko in Kyoto! She was so hospitable and thoughtful during our day. We took it all in during our whirlwind 6 hour tour of the places we choose to see during our tour. She also gave us food and shopping recommendations that were a 10/10. We loved our day and would do it again if we're ever back in Kyoto.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour (up to 7 people)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,108 reviews · from $179

See Kyoto’s top temples, shrines, bamboo groves, and Gion in one private day, with practical tips on timing, transport, fees, and walking.

“This was a great way to see Kyoto whem limited for time. My guide,Abe-san was very knowledgeable and answered a number of questions about the sites as well as Japanese history. She was veey efficient on time and considerate about tRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 629 reviews · from $109

Tailor a four-hour Kyoto tour with a licensed guide, using local transport to visit two or three temples, shrines, markets, or historic districts.

“We had a great, heart-warming experience with Yuka-san. We appreciated her flexibility and caring communication, and her recommendations for further activities. 😊”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Private Tour with Local Licensed Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 463 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $106

Explore Kyoto with a licensed local guide on a private, flexible walking tour covering temples, shrines, markets, Gion, and more.

“We were very pleased and happy with our guide Kiyosh Kiyosh Murakami because he has a deep knowledge about Japan history and culture. We really enjoyed the tour and if you are interested in culture request Kiyosh”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 417 reviews · from $634

Review of Kyoto’s private six-hour tour with guide and vehicle, covering custom sights, comfort, value, entry fees, and practical booking tips.

“Absolutely loved this tour. I worked with our tour guide Tomy to nail down which sites we wanted to see during our tour. You need to be aware that you’re not gonna be able to see everything on this tour since a lot of these temples are not near each other and take some driving time. Also a lot of the temples are very crowded. Tomy was a very informative guide. He would take us to some areas on the temple grounds that weren’t so crowded. He made sure we got some great pictures. Having our own transportation was heaven sent since we did a lot of walking in Osaka…”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Kyoto Customized Private Tour: See Top Attractions in 1 Day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 342 reviews · from $132

A flexible private Kyoto tour lets you choose top temples, shrines, markets, and historic districts with hotel pickup and a local guide.

“Toshi Yomada was an excellent guide. Prepared for hot weather and made the whole experience fun, educational, and more than we could have hoped for.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Private Walking Tour with a Local

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 118 reviews · 3 - 6 hours · from $82

Review of Kyoto’s private Lokafy walking tour, with custom routes, local tips, flexible timing, pricing, accessibility, and practical booking advice.

“Ahmed was very knowledgeable about local areas and customs, he was very friendly and recommended great food! 10/10 would tour again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.FromOsaka/Kyoto:Hiroshima & Miyajima Private Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 12 hours · from $784

Review of a private Hiroshima and Miyajima tour from Osaka or Kyoto, with Peace Park, Itsukushima Shrine, okonomiyaki lunch, and private transport.

“Our Hiroshima day tour with Shah was truly outstanding. From start to finish, he guided us with deep knowledge, great professionalism, and a warm, friendly attitude. Shah explained the history of Hiroshima with clarity and respect, making each site from the Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima meaningful and unforgettable. He managed the entire day smoothly, ensuring we were comfortable and enjoying every moment. It was an educational, emotional, and beautifully organized experience. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Hiroshima!”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Personalize, private tour (3h, 5h, 8h) [W/Car Option]

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 24 reviews · 3 - 8 hours · from $76

Shape a private Kyoto tour around your interests, with local guide Jose, flexible timing, public transport, and an optional car.

“Jose was very friendly and informative as a guide. He took us to the three different sites we had chosen efficiently and was very knowledgeable about Japanese history. We took the train between places which was super quick and interesting. All in all a great day out! Thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Private Tour to Monkey Park and Arashiyama Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 3 hours · from $38Best value

Review of Kyoto’s private Arashiyama tour, with Monkey Park, Tenryuji Temple, bamboo paths, guide tips, costs, walking demands, and booking advice.

“Amazing tour, highly recommended. Masahiko is a great guide with lots of experience. He made sure we went at a steady pace to ensure we didn’t exhaust ourselves. He took us around town after and gave us advice on food and other aspects. He is a wonderful person.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Kyoto Customized Private Tour: See Top Attractions in 1 Day

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 20 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $129

Review of Kyoto’s private custom tour, with top temples, Gion, flexible timing, local guides, costs, transport, and practical tips.

“Very good guide. Tailored our activity well based on our request.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Personalized Guided Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 19 reviews · 6 hours · from $459

A flexible six-hour private Kyoto tour with hotel pickup, major temples, Gion, Fushimi Inari, and a guide shaped around your interests.

“Taeko is a very nice guide. We are very pleased to spend the day with her in Kyoto. She tried to show us the main interesting places in a 6 hrs. time. She took us back to Kyoto station, at the end of the tour. We would like to thank her again for her hospitality, and friendship during our stay in Kyoto.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Osaka & Nara: Private Tour with English speaking guide

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 15 reviews · 10 hours · from $455

Review of a private Osaka and Nara day tour with deer, temples, Osaka Castle, aquarium, English guide, private vehicle, and practical booking tips.

“Nihon was excellent! He asked in advance if I needed anything special or had any questions. He was on time, friendly, and so patient. He explained absolutely everything that I wanted to know and had such extensive knowledge of every place we went! I enjoyed each place so much and felt so comfortable talking with Nihon. He made my in experience in Osaka exactly what I wanted and more!!! I will recommend him and your company to anyone coming to Japan. Thank you so much, Nihon!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review